McLaren 570S Track Pack: Ultimate Performance Upgrade

The McLaren 570S Track Pack takes the already impressive 570S supercar to new heights with targeted enhancements for track performance. This 2017 upgrade package adds lightweight elements and aerodynamic tweaks without altering the core powertrain, preserving the model’s renowned daily drivability while boosting circuit credentials.

Engineering Excellence Behind the Track Pack

McLaren’s Track Pack focuses on reducing weight and improving downforce to sharpen the 570S’s already razor-sharp dynamics. The package shaves 25kg from the vehicle’s mass through strategic material substitutions, including super-lightweight forged alloy wheels and extensive use of Alcantara suede throughout the interior. A redesigned rear wing, elevated by 12mm, generates an additional 29kg of downforce at 150mph, enhancing high-speed stability without compromising the car’s sleek profile.

Dark-finished roof paint and a sports exhaust system complete the exterior changes, the latter amplifying the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8’s signature howl. Inside, carbon-fiber racing seats and Alcantara-trimmed dash and steering wheel create a purposeful cockpit ambiance. The included Telemetry System provides real-time lap data logging and analysis, appealing directly to track-day regulars.

Powertrain and Performance Specifications

At the heart remains the unchanged 562bhp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup delivers blistering acceleration: 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 204mph. The Track Pack’s exhaust enhances auditory drama, making full-throttle runs even more visceral, though it doesn’t add mechanical power.

Carbon-ceramic brakes with McLaren Brake Steer technology ensure phenomenal stopping power, requiring initial heat for optimal bite but delivering supernatural deceleration once warmed. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels provide massive grip, supporting the chassis’s precision.

Driving Dynamics: Road and Track Mastery

On public roads, the Track Pack 570S retains the standard model’s composure, with an adaptive suspension that absorbs imperfections surprisingly well for a supercar. Steering feel is direct and communicative, offering linear response without on-center numbness. The dual-clutch gearbox executes shifts flawlessly across Normal, Sport, and Race modes, with Race reserved for track use.

Track sessions reveal the package’s true value. The lighter weight translates to sharper turn-in and reduced inertia, while extra downforce pins the rear at speed. The V8’s torque delivery feels endless, propelling the car with relentless force. Independent tests clocked a standard 570S at 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds, suggesting the Track Pack’s reductions could edge even closer to theoretical limits.

• Proven Strengths: Exceptional engine power, precise handling, and lightweight construction.
• Track Enhancements: Telemetry for data-driven improvements and racing seats for support.
• Daily Usability: Comfortable ride and intuitive controls despite performance focus.

Interior Refinement and Technology

The Track Pack elevates the cabin with Alcantara accents, fostering a race-inspired yet luxurious environment. Carbon-fiber racing seats hug occupants firmly, complementing the near-perfect driving position. However, the infotainment touchscreen remains small and less intuitive than rivals, prioritizing driver focus over gadgetry.

Options like premium leather upgrades or GPS telemetry with multi-camera recording cater to personalization. Cabin noise is noticeable, especially with the sports exhaust, but this adds to the raw engagement. Utility is limited to two seats, emphasizing the 570S’s sports car ethos over practicality.

Pricing and Value in the Supercar Arena

The Track Pack commands a £16,500 premium over the standard 570S, pushing prices into elite territory. While not essential for road use, it solidifies the model’s status as McLaren’s most track-focused Sports Series offering. Competitors like the Ferrari 488 offer similar performance but at higher weights, making the 570S’s 1,313kg dry mass a standout.

For buyers in this bracket, the intangible desirability—lightweight exclusivity and circuit readiness—justifies the cost, enhancing resale appeal.

Comparisons with Rivals and Alternatives

Versus the Porsche 911 GT3 or Lamborghini Huracán, the 570S Track Pack excels in mid-engine balance and turbocharged surge. Its carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis provides structural rigidity and lightness unmatched by many. The Spider variant adds open-air thrills with minimal performance penalty, hitting 0-124mph in 9.6 seconds.

Safety, Reliability, and Ownership Insights

McLaren’s engineering emphasizes active safety through advanced electronics like stability control and Brake Steer. Carbon-ceramic brakes endure track abuse, though cold performance demands caution. Ownership involves high maintenance costs typical of exotics, but the 570S is McLaren’s most approachable model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Track Pack increase horsepower?

No, it focuses on weight savings and aero without power changes, retaining 562bhp.

Is the 570S Track Pack street-legal?

Yes, fully road-compliant with no compromises to daily usability.

How much lighter is the Track Pack?

Approximately 25kg lighter than the standard 570S.

What’s the top speed with Track Pack?

204mph, identical to the base model.

Can I add Track Pack to an existing 570S?

Available as a factory option; retrofits may be possible via McLaren specialists.

Conclusion: A Worthy Supercar Evolution

The McLaren 570S Track Pack refines an already stellar performer, blending track precision with supercar usability. Ideal for enthusiasts craving authentic thrills.